Temple football player arrested on assault charges

A Temple University football player is facing some serious charges Saturday night.

Temple University football team celebrated a big win at their Big East home opener, as one of their star players was being charged with kidnapping and assaulting his girlfriend.

Police say 20-year-old Kamal Johnson turned himself in to Philadelphia Police Friday night following an incident that allegedly occurred on September 27th at his girlfriend's apartment in the 1600 block of North 15th Street.

He is being charged with simple assault, reckless endangering another person and related offenses.

Saturday was big for the Temple University football team. The owls kicked off their Big East home opener with a thrilling 37-28 victory over south Florida.

It was a proud moment that team member #93 Kamal Jackson was not a part of. Instead the junior defensive lineman from Willingboro, New Jersey spent the day with police.

"I saw a tweet on twitter about the actual event," said Temple student Aaron Tyson.

News of the arrest spread quickly during Saturday's homecoming game.

"I'm actually surprised. He's a good kid, a good guy."

The transfer student who didn't want to give his name, but says he met Johnson on campus about a month ago, and they live in the same building.

Police say Johnson forced the girlfriend to leave her apartment during a fight just before midnight on Thursday, September 27th. He dragged her downstairs to his room on the 6th floor; he then allegedly punched the 21 year old woman in the back and threw her to the ground where she banged her head.

Police say Johnson accused the victim of cheating on him, and did not let her leave for three and a half hours.

"That's three floors above where we sleep, so it's weird that happens right around the corner," said Sofiya Sydoryak.

Temple students said they heard nothing about the crime before Saturday.

During a post-game press conference, Coach Steve Addazio refused to comment about the player's status on the team.

"No comment," Addazio said. "This is a great moment, and I am just going to really enjoy the moment. I'm just going to focus on the win."